Israel assures Hargeisa that its recognition will remain unchanged despite uncertainty over Netanyahu’s political future
Hargeisa (SLpost)- Israel has reportedly reassured Somaliland that its recognition of the Republic will not be reversed, despite political uncertainty in Jerusalem and the possibility of a change in government, according to a report by the Open Source Intelligence.
The report, published on 12 November by OSINT613 with the attribution to Israeli broadcaster Kan News, says Somaliland officials had expressed concerns about the future of bilateral relations if former military chief Gadi Eisenkot replaces Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister.
According to the report, reassurances were subsequently communicated that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would remain in place, with some assurances reportedly coming from individuals without formal political affiliations.
Israel formally recognised Somaliland on 26 December 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to recognise the Republic. The two sides subsequently moved to establish full diplomatic relations, including plans to exchange ambassadors and open embassies.
The relationship has developed around shared interests in regional security, maritime trade, technology, agriculture and investment.
Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, also gives the relationship wider geopolitical significance.
Although a change of government in Israel could affect foreign policy priorities, it would not automatically reverse an existing recognition decision.
While the reported assurances have not yet been accompanied by a publicly identified official statement from Israel’s government, it suggests that the future of relations between the two sides remains an important consideration amid Israel’s political transition.
The latest diplomatic engagement between the two side occured recently after Israel’s ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi in Hargeisa in November 2026, marking a further step in establishing Israel’s diplomatic presence in the Republic. The opening of an Israeli embassy in Hargeisa would further institutionalise bilateral relations and provide a permanent channel for diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
